Is this something I should hire a lawyer/other professional for or can I just do it myself? 

If you like the the area and can afford the house it would be like buying a luxury or sports car.

Horrible tenants increase cautiousness and interaction with insurance Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

It’s worth a look see, just do your homework up front before hiring the other professionals to make this happen.Good luck

When it comes to being a real estate professional, it actually doesn’t have anything to do with your job title or profession.

No, meaning that if you had professional support it's likely they helped you set the table for later.This much structure with five properties can be overload and proper planning.

If you are renting to professionals, you shouldn't have to worry about the landlord/tenant laws.

Be professional, kind and firm. 

Do you have the professionals you need to start an LLC, do the proper real estate/tax accounting, solid contractors to rehab or prepare the property, and a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations? 

New to real estate but possess a deep understanding of the responsibilities to continue to gain knowledge and remain loyal with my clients and professionally with my colleagues.